THE DEVELOPMENT OF URANIUM-MAGNOX FUEL ELEMENTS FOR AN AVERAGE IRRADIATION LIFE OF 3000 MWD/te

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · J. Brit. Nucl. Energy Soc.

OSTI ID:4756118

Hardy, H K; Bishop, J F.W.; Pickman, D O; Eldred, V W

The target irradiation level for the uranium-magnox fuel elements for the electricity generating nuclear power stations was set several years ago. The prediction that 3000 Mwd/te average irradiation lay within the metallurgical life was based on very limited irradiation experience of uranium bars and on restricted information on the mechanical and chemical properties of the magnesium canning alloys. A description is given of the main development programs which have been carrled out in order to ensure the endurance of the fuel elements. The main fields dealt with are the cavitational failures, fuel element stability, and can deformations under coolant gas forces, thermal cycling, and the determination of fuel element irradiation performance on a large scale. It is concluded that the major problems on the endurance of the general class of uranium-magnox fuel elements have been overcome successfully and the target irradiation of 3000 Mwd/ te channel average is likely to be reached without an undue number of systematic failures. Experience has demonstrated the importance of environmental testing the complete fuel element under conditions which reproduce those in the reactor as closely as possible. There is no substItute for the irradiation testing of fuel elements on a substantial scale and such a program forms an essential part of the development program for fuel elements to be used in large numbers in large nuclear power reactors. The work has been performed in a number of establishments under different managements. The organization has worked smoothly because of close co-operation and good communications between the interested parties, all of whom recognized the need to centralize the main responsibility for the fuel element endurance on one establishment. (auth)

• Research Organization: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Sellafield, Cumb., Eng.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-015426
• OSTI ID: 4756118
• Journal Information: J. Brit. Nucl. Energy Soc., Journal Name: J. Brit. Nucl. Energy Soc. Vol. Vol: 2
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BURNUP
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DEFORMATION
FAILURES
FUEL CANS
FUEL ELEMENTS
GAS COOLANT
GRAPHITE MODERATOR
IRRADIATION
MAGNESIUM ALLOYS
MAGNOX
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NATURAL URANIUM FUEL
PERFORMANCE
POWER PLANTS
REACTOR TECHNOLOGY
REACTORS
STABILITY
TESTING